Donnachiara Winery’s Ilaria Petitto brought Thanksgiving early to one of Manhattan’s top Italian restaurants Il Gattopardo.
Donnachiara Winery’s Ilaria Petitto
Hosted by the always amazing certified Italian Wine Ambassador with a Diploma in Wines & Spirits, Susannah Gold, we tasted through 6 wines (4 white, 2 red) paired with 4 courses aiming for a Thanksgiving to remember.
The secondo was very Thanksgiving – influenced (and spoiler alert: the wine that Donnachiara chose was absolutely perfect.)
Italian Wine Expert Susannah Gold
The special secret to Donnachiara Winery’s roster in my humble opinion is incredible Old World quality with truly remarkable present day pricing.
Donnachiara Winery is Old World with Modern Twist
Before we ate, Ilaria introduced her family’s history and explained how the new generation (her generation) is leading the Montefalcione wine revolution, with her mother’s blessing.
Donnachiara Winery’s Ilaria Petitto
In the same spirit, Ilaria proudly announced that she is now the Vice President of the Conosrzio di Tutela dei Vini dell’Irpinia.
Ilaria continued, sharing their winery is located in Montefalcione, in the Irpinia area near Avellino. While the vineyards have been in the family for over 150 years, the modern winery was completed in 2005. Ilaria’s mother, Chiara Petitto, is a vocal supporter of her work in the winery.
Tell Me More About Donnachiara Winery
The Donnachiara Winery on the hills of Montefalcione
The Donnachiara Winery stands high on the hills of Montefalcione.
Montefalcione is nestled in the Central West of Italy, near Montevergine and Chiusano – just over two hours south of Rome and about an hour East of Naples.
The Donnachiara Winery on the hills of Montefalcione
The winery’s philosophy is to preserve the traditional grape varieties of the local territory and keep the typical character of the wines from being lost to standardization, like many of the wines on the market today.
Our Early Thanksgiving Feast Starts
Antipasti
Crudo di Spigola marinato al lime ed erbe su crostino
Mini Mozzarelle in Carrozza Con Salsetta D’ Acciughe di Cetara
Palle di riso piselli, parmigiano e sughetto di vitello
Fiano de Avellino docg 2021 is the perfect start. A golden shimmer in the glass. The nose matches with a striking aroma of cream, a hint of bread crust and french vanilla. The mouth is full bodied, bright and creamy. A light touch, which would pair well with grilled salmon.
Empatia Fiano de Avellino BIO 2021 continues to tease and tickle your senses. Straw yellow in the glass with a chalky, limestone bouquet. A lighter mouthfeel with a soft, tart note. Would pair deliciously with seafood, mussels, lobster.
Fiano de Avellino docg 2021, Empatia Fiano de Avellino BIO 2021
Primo
Cavatelli di grano antico “Senatore Capelli”
Cavatelli di grano antico “Senatore Capelli”
Con fagioli Spollichini e cozze
Greco di Tufo docg 2021 is pale yellow in the glass. A beautiful bouquet of peach, pineapple, and apricot. The mouth is fresh and soft, and lingers on and on. Pairs well with light seafood and pasta with truffles.
Aletheia Greco di Tufo docg Riserva 2020 is quite incredible. Pale yellow in the glass. A complex nose of peach, pineapple and the faintest hint of cedar. The strikingly fresh, bolder taste and slightly heavier mouthfeel would pair well with seafood, pasta with mushrooms, and blue cheeses.
Greco di Tufo docg 2021, Aletheia Greco di Tufo docg Riserva 2020
Secondo
Tacchino del “Ringraziamento” ripieno di Castagne e Salsiccia
Tacchino del “Ringraziamento” ripieno di Castagne e Salsiccia
con friarielli saltati in Padella
Tacchino del “Ringraziamento” ripieno di Castagne e Salsiccia
Aglianico Irpinia doc 2020 has a gorgeous violet shimmer in the glass. The nose is blueberry with a hint of herb. Medium mouthfeel with mineral and herbal hints. Would pair well with turkey and rabbit.
Taurasi docg 2018 is an all-star for this meal. Ruby red in the glass. Burnt cherry, with plums and toast on the nose. Mouth is a velvety, gush of jam with black currant. Would pair well with gamey and braised meats.
If you’re serving cranberry as a side dish, this Taurasi bottle elevates the taste. It’s a winner.
Aglianico Irpinia doc 2020, Taurasi docg 2018
Dolce
La Pastiera Napoletana
Caffe
Biscotti
La Pastiera Napoletana
While each of the wines tasted at lunch were enjoyable, there were two that are perfect for your Thanksgiving pairings.
If you ordered both for your Thanksgiving, poured Alethia Greco di Tufo docg Riserva 2020 as your guests are arriving and offered Taurasi docg 2018 as you served your main course, magic would happen!
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Hellertown-Lower Saucon: Light Up Night 2024 Nov 29 Family Fun at Morris J. Dimmick Park
Hellertown-Lower Saucon: Light Up Night 2024 Nov 29 Family Fun at Morris J. Dimmick Park
The Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber, a proud partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, is thrilled to present the annual Light Up Night, happening on Friday, November 29, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Morris J. Dimmick Park (570 Durham Street, Hellertown). This hallmark event promises an evening full of holiday joy, delicious food, live entertainment, and a dazzling tree-lighting ceremony to kick off the festive season.
“Come join the jolly community spirit! We have great performances from the Saucon Valley Band and Choir to the local Cub Scouts Group #349, plus lots of tasty treats and gifts for everyone,” says Rod Long, Chairman of the Light Up Night committee. This year’s presenting sponsors are Mobile Technology Graphics and Bethlehem Landfill.
Event Highlights:
Light Up Night will feature something for everyone, from families looking to create cherished memories to adults enjoying seasonal beverages. Santa Claus will make a special appearance all the way from the North Pole with a few of his reindeer friends, and live entertainment from local organizations such as the Saucon Valley School District Band and Choir will keep spirits bright throughout the evening. There will be a live ice carving demonstration, free children’s activities and crafts, cash family wagon rides, special appearances from Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and so much more! Guests can shop for unique holiday gifts at vendor stalls and enjoy a variety of activities for all ages.
Make sure to stop by Chamber tent to pick up your Candy Cane Lane passport! This is the inaugural running of the trail, spanning from November 30th to December 7th encompassing your favorite businesses and restaurants in the area. Stop at each location and find the hiding Candy Cane, submit a completed passport to the Chamber to be entered into a raffle!
Food and Beverage Vendors:
This year’s event will include a mouthwatering lineup of food and drink vendors: Big Poppa’s Backyard BBQ, Cosmic Kettle Corn, Couchpota.doh, DonutNV, Fired Up Artisan Pizza, Hausman’s Fruit Farms, Nick and Noah’s, Race to Taste Curbside Grill, RK Mobile, and Tommy’s Italian Kitchen.
For those seeking seasonal drinks, Easton Wine Project, Five Maidens Cider Company, and Lost Tavern Brewing will serve a selection of wines, ciders, and craft brews. Please note: Patrons must be at least 21 years old to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.
Sponsors:
The success of Light Up Night is made possible by the generous support of local businesses and organizations, including:
- Host Sponsor: Borough of Hellertown
- Presenting Sponsors: Bethlehem Landfill, Mobile Technology Graphics
- Reindeer Sponsor: Heintzelman’s Funeral Home
- Santa’s Sleigh Sponsor: Ron Smith
- Candy Cane Sponsor: Sure Fix Remodeling
- Hot Chocolate and Cookies Sponsors: ASR Media/Fig Magazine, Creekview Veterinary Hospital, Hellertown Dental Group, Lindsay O. Albert, EA, Service Electric Cable TV & Communications
- Sleigh Supporting Sponsor: Jim Gardner, State Farm Agency
- Tractor Ride Sponsor: Steel Club
- Wagon Sponsor: Hausman Fruit Farms
- Comfort Station Sponsors: Carl Volkman & Sons HVAC, Dewey Fire Co.
- Warm Hands Sponsors: Truist, Saucon Valley Bikes
- Jolly Supporting Sponsors: Designing Wealth Management of Raymond James, Hellertown Veterinary Center
- Decoration Sponsors: Andy’s & Pennewell’s Flower Shop, JP Mascaro, Limon Authentic Turkish Kebap House, Lost River Caverns, Saucon Valley Karate Academy
- Apple Sponsor: Bechdolt Orchards
- Cookies Sponsor: GIANT Food Stores
- Cozy Corner Sponsor: Dewey Fire Co.
- Print Sponsor: FastSIGNS of Easton
This year’s Light Up Night is expected to draw thousands of attendees, making it the perfect opportunity to connect with neighbors, support local businesses, and celebrate the season. Admission is free and open to the public.
For more details, visit the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber website or contact the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber via email at AaronG@lehighvalleychamber.org.
Don’t miss this cherished tradition—let’s light up the night and welcome the holiday season together!
About the Chamber: The mission of The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce is to improve the economy and quality of life in the Lehigh Valley Metropolitan Area. We accomplish this through business-to-business networking events and marketing products, affinity programs and exclusive, money saving member benefits, training programs, government affairs initiatives and public policy advocacy, and community development enterprises. With nearly 5,000 members who employ more than 200,000, the Chamber is the largest in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and in the top ten nationwide.
Thanksgiving in Lehigh Valley: the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s… [recipe inside]
This Thanksgiving in the Lehigh Valley, the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s brioche. As in St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing
No Thanksgiving spread is complete without a hearty stuffing. While add-ins are a matter of preference, choosing the right bread is crucial. One underrated choice is eggy, rich brioche – and with St Pierre Bakery, you don’t need to go to France to get it.
Thanks to its butter and egg content, St Pierre’s Brioche Loaf provides the perfect balance of crisp toastiness while remaining soft and creamy inside, while its lightly sweet flavor adds a decadent quality that can still lean savory. Attached below is an approachable recipe for stuffing allowing for all the craveable crunch for the whole family with minimal effort required.
St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing
By @BrandiMilloy
Ingredients
1 loaf St. Pierre Brioche Bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
3/4 cup celery, diced
3/4 cup carrots, diced
1 cup mushrooms, diced
2 large eggs
1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
3 sprigs fresh thyme, just the leaves
1 tbsp. fresh sage, chopped
1 small apple (granny smith works well), peeled and diced
Salt and pepper
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut brioche bread into 1” cubes and bake for about 10-15 minutes until toasted.
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Meanwhile, into a pot over medium high heat add butter until melted. Add onion, celery and carrots and cook until everything starts to soften, about 7 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Into a bowl whisk together the eggs, herbs, apples, mushrooms, and salt and pepper. Add your cooked vegetables and mix to combine.
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Pour mixture on top of toasted bread and stir to combine. Bake stuffing for about 45 minutes. If your stuffing starts to get too brown, cover until finished baking. Enjoy!
As America’s favorite brioche brand, St Pierre’s products are widely available via grocery stores nationwide as well as Walmart.
Election Day 2024: Elixir Health and Wellness Offers Free Red Light and Compression Therapy to Encourage Voter Turnout on Election Day
Election Day 2024: Elixir Health and Wellness Offers Free Red Light and Compression Therapy to Encourage Voter Turnout on Election Day
ELIXIR Health and Wellness, Bethlehem’s premier destination for non-invasive, anti-aging therapies, is excited to announce a special Election Day initiative to promote community engagement and support voter turnout. On Tuesday, November 5th, all voters across the Lehigh Valley are invited to stop by Elixir Health and Wellness, located at 1021 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA, for a complimentary session of red light or compression therapy between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
“At Elixir Health and Wellness, we believe in the power of caring, both for the body and the community,” said Yuliya, owner of Elixir Health and Wellness.
“We’re thrilled to offer this special opportunity as a way to give back to our neighbors who make their voices heard on Election Day. Voting is one of the most impactful ways to shape our community, and we want to support everyone who takes the time to participate.”
To take advantage of this Election Day offer, individuals simply need to show proof of voting, such as an “I Voted” sticker. Those who voted early are welcome to participate as well. Elixir Health and Wellness will be open all day to provide red light and compression therapy sessions that can help rejuvenate individuals after casting a ballot.
For those registered near Elixir Health and Wellness, the nearest polling location is:
College Hill Moravian Church
72 W. Laurel St.
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Whether you’re looking for a wellness boost or a relaxing break, Elixir Health and Wellness invites the Bethlehem community to experience its renowned anti-aging therapies and celebrate the importance of civic engagement.
For more information about Elixir Health and Wellness and this Election Day event, please visit our website at www.elixirlv.com.
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Winter Restaurant Week is here! Amazing deals on Hellertown and Lower Saucon’s best bites from Jan 15 – Jan 21
Winter Restaurant Week is here! Amazing deals on Hellertown and Lower Saucon’s best bites from Jan 15 – Jan 21.
The Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber of Commerce, a proud partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, is kicking off 2023 in the most delicious way possible with their annual Winter Restaurant Week!
Winter Restaurant Week from Jan 15 – Jan 21
From Sunday, January 15th – Saturday, January 21st, food lovers from across the Lehigh Valley can get a taste of everything that the Hellertown-Lower Saucon food and beverage scene has to offer. Participating locations will offer a variety of specials that include, but are not limited to, “set-price” or “prix fixe” menus, gift card deals, and discount opportunities.
Healthy shakes from The Vibe Nutrition
Patrons will have a chance to return to their favorite spots with added incentives or try new eateries during Winter Restaurant Week.
As of January 1st, thirteen outstanding restaurants and eateries are participating, with more to come.
There are so many wonderful, hard-working restaurants and eateries in the Borough of Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township, and this is a great way for them to gain the exposure they deserve. There is a wide range of dining options, something for everyone!
Winter Restaurant Week is also a great opportunity for the community to come together
Winter Restaurant Week is also a great opportunity for the community to come together and break bread with one another, all while supporting the local economy and reinforcing the wonderful communal feeling of the Hellertown – Lower Saucon area, and is something fun to spice up the winter months.
Yum! Tacos from Wings on Main
Kat Brown of Yianni’s Taverna adds:
“We are looking forward to welcoming guests in the new year to experience our authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.”
Yianni’s Taverna will be offering a three course, pre fixe menu for $39.
Lauren Musselman, owner of The Vibe Nutrition, located at 650 Main Street in Hellertown, expressed her enthusiasm:
“We are excited to be participating in Winter Restaurant Week.
It is a big incentive for us because we want the community to see how important good nutrition is. Everyone has a New Year’s resolution, and we have the solution for you. The Vibe has everything for you, from weight loss to weight gain, energy needs, and we can’t wait to serve you in the new year.” The Vibe Nutrition will be offering 15% off any meal combo during Winter Restaurant Week.
Special thanks to our Winter Restaurant Week Bronze Sponsor, Lindsay O. Albert, Taxes and Accounting for her support of this local initiative.
Lindsay is an advocate for a vibrant Hellertown community. Also thanks to B104, our Marketing Sponsor, for sharing the excitement of this weeklong event.
Finally, another enticing opportunity is the chance to be a winner! Check our Hellertown-Lower Saucon Facebook page for a chance to win gift cards to the participating eateries and listen to WAEB and B-104 on your radio or iHeart app for a chance to call in and win gift cards.
Participants (as of 1/5/2023):
- The Hellertown Crossroads Hotel
- The Springtown Inn
- The Vibe Nutrition
- Yianni’s Taverna
- Nick’s BBQ
- Vassi’s Drive-In
- PA House
- Wings on Main
Participants’ Specials: Offers can be viewed at Hellertown Lower Saucon Winter Restaurant Week as they are added.
Pricing Information: Varies depending on each establishment’s offer.
Sponsors (as of 1/1/2023):
- Bronze Sponsor: Lindsay O. Albert E.A.
- Marketing Sponsor: iHeart radio/ B104
For more information on this event and any upcoming events, visit the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Facebook page, or the Affiliated Chamber’s Instagram or LinkedIn pages.
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Catty’s Brothers Pizza Serves Up Affordable Local Flavor with Big Taste
Catasauqua local favorite Brothers Pizza shop serves up sandwiches, subs, pizza and more.
On a recent trip we decided to stop by this charming shop and order up some appetizers along with a full pizza to feed our team.
Brothers Pizza in Catty serves Bruschetta
Bruschetta
The bread is fresh and the ingredients are freshly chopped. The serving is larger than expected. A very happy (and very filling) appetizer or side dish.
Brothers PIzza in Catty serves chicken wings
Chicken Wings
In a world of bone-in or boneless wings, I still prefer the bone. (I know I’m old school). Brothers offers both along with a list of flavors to choose from.
Calamari
The calamari was disappointing. Over-fried and flavorless. Wouldn’t order this one again.
Brothers Pizza in Catty serves Calamari
Chicken Tenders with Fries
The chicken was juicier and more tender than expected. But lacked flavor.
Brothers Pizza in Catty serves Chicken Tenders with Fries
Quesadilla
The quesadilla hit the spot. Good on cheese, but left our eaters desiring more flavor.
Brothers Pizza in Catty serves Quesadillas
Pizza (by the slice and full pie)
The slices are big and there’s a long list of toppings from healthy to big taste.
According to their website:
“Enjoy the best pizza in Catasauqua like the locals do.
Local residents have made Brothers Pizza one of the most popular in the area.
Sample what they have to offer and see if you agree. Immerse yourself in the culinary scene of Catasauqua with some of the area’s top dishes. These classics are popular for a reason, so go ahead and see what all the fuss is about. See why the locals rave about Plain Cheese Pizza at Brothers Pizza. This local favorite is popular for a reason.”
In general, the food was what you would expected from as strip. The pizza was good. The bruschetta was better than expected. The chicken wings were fairly basic. The quesadilla had good cheese, but otherwise not memorable. The chicken tenders were juice, but lacked flavor.
Friendly and speedy service and delivered the results you’s expect from a strip mall pizza place, but not much more.
Located inside a strip mall, 1492 Main St, Catasauqua, PA 18032
For more information and to order from Brothers Pizza, click here
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Let’s Sing Taylor – A Live Band Experience Celebrating Taylor Swift at Penns Peak Friday, October 27, 2023 at 8pm
Penn’s Peak is proud to announce Let’s Sing Taylor – A Live Band Experience Celebrating Taylor Swift, Friday, October 27, 2023 at 8pm.
Let’s Sing Taylor – A Live Band Experience – is the ultimate tribute to the music of Taylor Swift.
We can show you incredible things, including the most faithful and lively covers of Queen Taylor’s expansive and sacred catalog. Taking the country by storm, we’re bringing the communal experience of celebrating Taylor’s music in a live setting to Swifties near and far.
So, let the games begin. Calling all Swifties to sing your hearts out and sport your Taylor inspired attire. You can show up at our party any time.
Tickets on sale Thursday, August 17th at 10:00AM at all Ticketmaster outlets, the Penn’s Peak Box Office and Roadies Restaurant and Bar. Penn’s Peak Box Office and Roadies Restaurant ticket sales are walk-up only, no phone orders.
General Admission
Advance: $29
Day of Show: $35
About Penn’s Peak
Penn’s Peak, a beautiful mountaintop entertainment venue located in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, can comfortably host 1,800 concertgoers.
Enjoy a spacious dance floor, lofty ceilings, concert bar/concession area and a full service restaurant and bar aptly named Roadie’s. Complete with a broad open-air deck for summertime revelry, Penn’s Peak patrons enjoy a breathtaking overlook of nearby Beltzville Lake, plus a commanding, picturesque 50-mile panoramic view of northeastern Pennsylvania’s Appalachian Mountains.
Choose Penn’s Peak for your next wedding, banquet or special event and treat your guests to an event truly “Above the Rest”.
Geographically convenient to residents of major population zones in Hazleton, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Stroudsburg, the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia and New York City, Penn’s Peak is an ideal location for any event. It is located only four miles from Exit 74 of the northeast extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
For more information on Penn’s Peak, go to www.pennspeak.com or call 866-605-7325.
